Wellness Paradigms

The researcher in me says that the three paradigms, i.e., the illness, the recovery, and the wellness paradigms, are interrelated; however, the consumer in me says that they are not interrelated.  They are not unified or solid.  The differences are vast and vary greatly.  The illness spectrum, for example, is the complete opposite of the wellness spectrum.  HOWEVER, I wouldn’t say they’re unrelated.  It really is a complicated viewpoint.

The word “empowerment” comes to mind when I view the paradigms.  It gives individuals the psychological self-confidence to take control of their lives and destinies through positive reinforcement.  With the WRAP program, we leverage an individual's strengths and advantages to help them improve their current condition, e.g., by learning the power of language and changing negative thoughts to positive ones. Resiliency is also a very important focus in the paradigm because the ability of an individual to bounce back from difficult situations dramatically increases the odds of overcoming the negative situation they presently find themselves in.

A focus on strengths can enable an individual to cope with adversity and survive, as it reassures them that they have the means to overcome their current situation. In addition, focusing on strengths will provide individuals with concrete reasons to overcome their current situation.

Illness. The Illness Paradigm is difficult. It requires a lot of assistance… assistance that many individuals are not often willing to accept. Nonadherence is all too common, and stabilization is hard to achieve. However, with the right support (e.g., medications, professionals, caregivers, ambition, etc.), the individual will be able to move on to recovery. 

Recovery. Graduating from the Illness Paradigm leads to recovery, which involves learning about your illness and the treatments available, empowering yourself through the support of peers and family members, and finally, moving to a point where you take action to manage your own illness and, subsequently, by helping others (when you move into the Wellness Paradigm).

Wellness.  Components of the Wellness Paradigm include personal responsibility, support, education, and more.  You need to know what causes your emotions, stress, and triggers.  You also need to know your treatment and recovery options.  To do this, you need to “educate” yourself.  Further, Copeland (2101) states, “A structured support system of people with whom you have ongoing contact is essential if you are working on your recovery” (p. 29).  You need to surround yourself with people who will support you, no matter your mood, symptoms, or changes.  Also, taking personal responsibility is a huge step, though it is paramount in recovery.  “No matter what influence you feel others may have had over your life, your recovery journey will be much more successful if you take personal responsibility for yourself and your life” (Copeland, 2010, p. 14). 

Copeland, M. E. (2010). WRAP Plus. Dummerston, VT: Peach Press.